Back in 2019, Roy Cropper (David Neilson) began playing online scrabble with his half-brother Richard in Coronation Street. When Roy and Carla Connor (Alison King) tracked Richard down, they were turned away by Nina Lucas (Mollie Gallagher) – who was secretly caring for her ill father.

Following Richard’s death, Nina moved in with Roy. Initially, this uncle-niece relationship was one that struggled, but after Roy and Nina connected and found their common interests, the small family unit grew stronger.

David Neilson has played Roy Cropper since 1995, which is certainly a contrast to Mollie – who just came out of drama school when she was offered the role of Nina Lucas. Speaking to Metro.co.uk and other press recently, David revealed what it’s like working with Mollie Gallagher:

‘Working opposite her – she is just phenomenal. She’s been in the show just over 18 months, she’s come straight from drama school into a huge show and then isolated by COVID, it’s not an easy thing. And then being given this huge story, I was thinking I wonder how this is going to be, this is major. I was like, take care of yourself here because this is really horrible, and she’s doing it and she’s interested in everything that is going on.

She asks: “where’s that camera?” and not in a selfish way, she’s very nuanced. I don’t have to do a lot or invent what I should be getting as an actor standing opposite her. Then I think I’d better pull my finger out because she’s very good!’

‘It’s not an enjoyable story, there’s not many laughs’ David said, when asked about Nina and Seb’s (Harry Visinoni) hate crime storyline.

‘We’re going to see where it goes as well as we’re only at the beginning of it. When Julie [Hesmondhalgh] was leaving, I was worried about who I would work with next and as I say, if Mollie wasn’t as good as she is it would be a disaster.  

One thing I do know is how much people do relate to the characters. I was in the supermarket this week and someone approached me and was worried Nina was leaving – it really meant something.’

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